Missing a tooth can contribute to a lack of self-confidence
around friends, family and coworkers. And yet, 178 million Americans currently go
about their lives while missing at least one tooth, according to the American
College of Prosthodontists.
Are you tired of trying to hide the gap in your smile or skipping out on social events altogether to avoid embarrassment? You may want to consider dental implants, the ultimate tooth replacement solution. Here is a step-by-step guide on what you can expect from the procedure for dental implants in Lincoln.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The first step of the dental implant process is to meet with a dentist in Lincoln for an initial consultation. During this early visit, your dentist will:
- Review your medical and dental history
- Take X-rays of your teeth
- Create impressions of your teeth so models can
be made
- Discuss with you the recommended treatment plan
- Answer any questions you may have
If your jawbone is not thick enough to support a dental implant, your dentist may recommend that you first undergo a bone graft procedure.
Step 2: Implant Placement
During the next step, a dentist or oral surgery specialist
will insert a tiny titanium screw into the jawbone beneath the gum line where
the tooth is missing. This tiny screw – the dental implant – replaces the
missing tooth root structure and will provide your future replacement tooth
with maximum support.
After the implant placement surgery, the healing process
begins. Over the next several months, the implant will fuse with the
surrounding jawbone through a natural process known as osseointegration.
Step 3: Healing Collar Placement and Temporary Crown
After the implant has successfully fused with the bone, you will be ready to return to the dentist to have a healing cap placed on top of the implant. The healing cap will remain in place for up to two weeks and help guide the gum tissue to heal correctly around the top of the implant.
Once the tissue has healed, your dentist will remove the
healing cap and screw an abutment onto the implant. The abutment is the connector
piece that firmly holds a crown to an implant. You will be given a temporary
crown to wear for 4 to 6 weeks while the jawbone continues to gradually grow
stronger.
Step 4: Permanent Crown Placement
The final step of the dental implant procedure is the placement
of a permanent crown – aka, your new tooth!
Your dentist will either cement or screw the crown to the abutment
on top of your dental implant. From this moment on, you will be fit to eat,
speak and smile confidently once again!
Now that you are armed with this knowledge about the dental
implant procedure, you can start an informed conversation with a dentist in
Lincoln about whether implants are the right tooth replacement solution for
your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed has over 25 years of experience rebuilding
beautiful smiles through high-quality reconstructive, prosthetic and implant
dentistry. The Lincoln native is an active member of the American Prosthodontic
Society and a Fellow of the prestigious International Congress of Oral
Implantologists. Patients interested in learning more about dental implants in
Lincoln can visit the Special Specialties website or call 402-488-5007.
